See my pretty little wreath? The nursery kids made sweet wreaths to put on their doors at home. Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 12/18/2025 The second Sunday of advent... The special time of Jesus birth is getting closer as Mary and Joseph inch closer to the stable and the manger. Pastor Jeannine shared with the children, showing Mary and Joseph going toward the stable, led by a star, not a GPS! John the Baptist was preparing, wearing his camel hair robes, and eating locusts and honey, anticipating the birth of Jesus- he continued to baptize people in his work. Scripture today was from Matthew 3: 1-12. John appeared in the wilderness with scorpions and snakes. It was a dangerous place, cursed by God- it was a battle with evil forces. Pastor Jeannine asked us where we felt our wilderness was today. Is it in school, social media, or in lonely lives? What Elijah predicted came true. There are many people longing for something, but not always sure what it is. There is a way out of the wilderness. We need to turn to God when things get bleak. We need to save ourselves from the wilderness. John‘s message to us did lead us to hope, and in the knowledge that everyone is worthy. Our Sunday school children and nursery children were busy this past Sunday. Meghan Reay help the children make beautiful wreaths. The older children made ornaments under the direction of Marguerite Miller after their Bible lesson. Thank you to everyone who helped with distribution for Yates County Christmas. Many people from our church were there to help for four days, providing children with socks, underwear, games, toys, toothpaste, hats, mittens, blankets or quilts, books, and an outfit which were distributed to hundreds of local families and children. What an amazing mission. Our sincere condolences to the family of Bruce Westerdahl who recently went to join his Lord and beloved wife Nancy in heaven. Bruce was a pastor at our church for many years and a great friend. He and his wife Nancy participated with so many church events, even after he retired. He had a loving heart, and so enjoyed singing in the choir and also perform solos in Church, before moving to be near his daughter in Virginia. Our Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 7 PM on Wednesday, December 24. It is always a beautiful service filled with music and carols. We hope many will join us from the community to celebrate the birth of Christ.